Africa ( Commonwealth Union) _ According to a forthcoming government-commissioned review seen by Bloomberg, gay British soldiers were subjected to electric shock treatment in an attempt to “cure” their homosexuality.
The review contains over a thousand anonymous submissions detailing incidents of homophobia in the UK armed forces between 1967 and 2000. Shocking testimonies reveal the use of electrodes, blackmail, and sexual assault against gay personnel. The report puts pressure on the government to publicly apologize for the historic policy and provide compensation for those affected.
One victim described being shown pictures of men to evoke positive feelings, followed by pictures of women accompanied by electric shocks administered through electrodes placed on their heads. The Ministry of Defence declined to comment on specific allegations, stating that the report had been submitted to ministers. The revelations shed light on the harm inflicted on thousands of LGBTQ+ personnel during the ban on their service in the military, despite homosexuality being legal since 1967.
The review, initiated by Boris Johnson’s government, aimed to gather testimonies from those impacted by the ban on gay people serving in the armed forces. The report reveals that military personnel were coerced into undergoing conversion therapy, which left many severely traumatized. The government has promised to introduce a law banning conversion therapy but has yet to publish a draft bill.
The report on homophobia in the military is part of a broader trend in the UK of addressing uncomfortable aspects of the country’s history, including slavery, colonialism, misogyny, and racism. Recent years have seen apologies for historical injustices, calls to remove statues linked to colonial figures, and investigations into institutionalized discrimination. The testimonies in the military review expose a culture of homophobia and bullying within the armed forces.
The report recommends that Chancellor of the Exchequer Rishi Sunak issue a public apology in Parliament for the historic ban on gay and trans military personnel. Testimonies also highlight the long-term impact on veterans’ mental health and well-being, with accounts of alcohol dependency, assaults, and dismissals after reporting incidents of discrimination. The review paints a vivid picture of overt homophobia and bullying throughout the military hierarchy.
The government spokesperson stated that the findings would be carefully considered and responded to in due course, without confirming whether the prime minister would accept the recommendation to apologize
